Best Recipe for Taco Seasoning

This copycat taco seasoning mix is a great healthy substitution for the packets that you buy in the store. It's easy to make (less than 5 minutes) using all-natural ingredients with spices right out of your pantry! Hooray for that - let's make it!

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Why You'll Love This Healthy Taco Seasoning

"I have been making this homemade taco seasoning mix recipe for years as it is super simple, healthier, and cheaper. I love that I know that I am putting real ingredients in my family's food." -Kori

Super Easy

Make your own! Homemade taco seasoning is super easy to make! Like, less than 5 minutes easy to make. More than likely, you will have these ingredients in your pantry already too! Make extra to store and keep on hand for later.

Natural Ingredients

Have you ever read the ingredients on the back of a taco seasoning packet? Do you really want to eat this stuff? Can someone tell me why coloring need to be added? I call these "unpronounceable" ingredients.

Whey onion, modified corn starch, salt, sugar, paprika, garlic, natural flavors with oleoresin paprika (for color), silicon dioxide (anticaking agent), spices including chili pepper, caramel color (contains sodium bisulfite), disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate.

Do you really want to eat this stuff? You don't need to anymore - let's make your own!

It's Healthy

This is a healthy, low-carb, gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy free, and keto taco seasoning recipe. No unhealthy "unpronounceable ingredients" are used!

Low Carb Taco Seasoning Ingredients

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Here's what you need to make this low carb taco seasoning mix. Full ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below 🙂

• Chili Powder
• Onion Powder
• Oregano
• Granulated Sugar Substitute or Regular Sugar
• Cumin
• Garlic Powder
• Paprika - I used regular paprika in this recipe but frequently use smoked paprika. It adds an amazing smoky flavor!
• Cayenne Pepper - I used ground cayenne pepper but you could also use crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
• Kosher Salt - I use this kosher salt brand, which is less salty than table salt. If you use table salt, use slightly less and adjust it to your taste preference.
• Ground Black Pepper
• Optional thickener: 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or substitute ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum

Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later! 😉

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Substitutions and Variations

• This taco seasoning recipe is mild. To make it spicier, add more ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper.
• Make it green taco seasoning by using green chili powder in place of the red chili powder.
• Make it smoky! Use chipotle powder (will add spicy heat too) or smoked paprika.
• If desired, eliminate the sugar substitute or regular sugar. The sweetness is used to counterbalance the spices, but it is not essential.

How To Make Taco Seasoning

Each recipe makes the equivalent of one taco seasoning packet.

1. In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together.
2. Use wherever a taco seasoning packet is called for. Store in an air-tight container for up to 6 months.

Note: This version is mild, but you can definitely add cayenne pepper to increase the heat. Actually, feel free to play around with any of the seasoning quantities to your liking.

Making Taco Meat

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 lb ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey, pork).
2. Once ground meat is done cooking, drain the grease.
3. Add taco seasoning along with ¾ cup of water. Bring to a rapid simmer and cook until the water reduces and the mixture thickens to your desired consistency, approximately 5 to 10 minutes. (Image 4)

How To Use It

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• 1 prepared taco seasoning mix recipe = 1 store bought packet
• Use 1 recipe per pound of meat.
• Use any ground meat - ground beef, ground chicken, ground turkey, ground pork.
• Make tacos! Mexican Ground Beef Recipe or Shrimp Tacos
• Use it in soup! Creamy Beef Taco Soup or Chicken Fajita Soup
• Make zucchini taco boats, taco stuffed peppers, or zucchini ground beef taco casserole.

Kori's Tips

• I often triple or quadruple the recipe and store in an airtight container to have on hand for future recipes! When you want to use your large batch seasoning in a recipe, use approximately 4 tablespoons of the mixture for each pound of meat or seasoning packet called for. Use more if needed.
• For best flavor use the freshest dried spices as possible - especially if you plan on making a large batch of this to store for later.
• Adjust any seasoning to your taste preferences - make it spicier make it milder, etc. It's your recipe feel free to play around with it.